Novak Djokovic opts out of Madrid Open, sets sights on Rome tournament | Tennis News

World number one and 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic has announced that he will not be participating in the Madrid Open this week. The Serbian star, who has yet to win a title this season, has decided to lighten his schedule and focus on preparing for upcoming tournaments.

Djokovic, who was named World Sportsman of the Year for the fifth time at the Laureus Awards in Madrid, expressed his disappointment at missing the Madrid Open but is hopeful to appear in Rome before defending his French Open title. He stated, “Unfortunately, I won’t be able to play in Madrid this year… I’ve planned to play in Rome, so I hope I’ll be able to do that, if I prepare well.”

This marks the third time in four years that Djokovic has pulled out of the Madrid Open, a tournament where he is a three-time champion. The decision comes after he also skipped the Miami Open earlier this year.

Meanwhile, veteran tennis great Rafael Nadal is set to continue his comeback from injury in Madrid. The 37-year-old Spaniard, who was defeated in the second round of the Barcelona Open, will face 16-year-old American Darwin Blanch in the first round. Reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz and world number two Jannik Sinner are also gearing up for their matches in Djokovic’s absence.

As Djokovic focuses on preparing for the upcoming major tournaments, fans will have to wait to see the world number one back in action on the court.